The Conductor

Conductor

Basil Hawkins – Dip.Mus. (Calcutta), Dip.Mus., B.Mus. (Perf) (Melb)

Basil Hawkins has conducted Concordia since 1989. He was born in Northern India and was taught piano and violin by his grandmother at an early age. When he was sixteen years old he was awarded a scholarship to the Calcutta School of Music where he studied piano with visiting professors Kenneth and Jean Wentworth, from Julliard School of Music, New York.

After migrating to Australia, Basil continued his education at the Melbourne University Conservatorium of Music completing a Bachelor of Music in instrumental teaching in 1971, and a performance degree in 1973.

Basil has taught music for over thirty years. His appointments include Assistant Director of Music, Essendon Grammar School, Melbourne and Director of Music at The Hutchins School, Hobart. He lectured in piano and keyboard studies at the Tasmanian College of Advanced Education. His last teaching post was Director of Music at Carey Grammar School, Melbourne.

He now works as a freelance conductor, working with various musical societies, light opera companies and amateur orchestras. He is also an experienced adjudicator and examiner, and has a teaching practice in piano and strings in Blackburn, Melbourne.